Future Plans for Treasury Point of Discussion between Khouri and Senate Panel

Nick Khouri, the recently appointed Treasurer, went before the Senate Finance Committee Wednesday for his first advice and consent hearing. Mr. Khouri detailed his goals for the Department of Treasury stating that returning refunds in a more timely fashion, increasing employee engagement, guiding taxpayers through the return process, and improving the return process. He also laid out his vision of the state’s tax system for the next five years.

Committee Chair Senator Jack Brandenburg (R-Harrison Twp) was prepared with a list of frequent complaints regarding the department, but quickly ended his line of questioning after Mr. Khouri was only able to address the handling of void labels. Khouri failed to discuss improvements to the handling of liens, the labeling of tax returns as void without explanation, the denying of appeals regarding amended returns, and the failure to recognize taxpayer’s right to an attorney. Mr. Khouri stated that he would need time to prepare responses for the committee. Senator Brandenburg was unimpressed with the responses, and issued a deadline of June 10 for detailed answers to be submitted in writing.

Mr. Khouri also fielded questions regarding his position as a lobbyist for DTE Energy and how that would affect his ability to preform his duties as Treasurer. Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof (R-West Olive) stated that the Senate’s approval of Khouri as Treasurer is still very much up in the air.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, June 5, 2015 10:52 AM
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